Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of radiology examination that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of structures in the body. MRI is commonly used for evaluation of the brain and spine, the solid abdominal organs and the joints. MRI is particularly helpful in the diagnosis of acute stroke, for identification of disc herniation and nerve impingement in the spine, for characterization of certain tumors and for evaluation of sports related injuries. MRI examinations typically last 30 to 60 minutes and require the patient to lie flat within a long tube within the magnetic field. In select cases, a special dye called gadolinium is injected intravenously. Unlike some other radiology examinations, MRI does not expose patients to ionizing radiation. However, due to the strength of the magnetic field, patients are questioned about electronic medical devices or prostheses that might be unsafe or interfere with the examination. Texas Radiology Associates has Board Certified radiologists with fellowship training in the interpretation of neurologic, abdominal, pelvic, musculoskeletal, breast and cardiovascular MRI, including radiologists with additional subspecialty certification in the fields of pediatric radiology, neuroradiology and musculoskeletal radiology.